Sunday, June 13, 2010

TSS: 6.13.10

This has been a rather busy week for me. I had so hoped to take part in Natasha's Bloggiesta, as it was so much fun and very productive the last time, but weekend plans prevented me from joining this go around. I look forward to visiting all those blogs who did take part and see all the changes you have made.

On Tuesday night I was able to attend the preview for the Johnson County Friends of Library annual book sale. We had horrific storms that night which meant fewer crowds and a more leisurely environment in which to browse. I arrived about 5:45, fifteen minutes before the official start, but discovered that some of the tables had already opened -- yippee! The sale is held at a local shopping mall and takes up nearly ALL the interior floor space: it is HUGE! I shopped for three solid hours and could have stayed longer. I left the sale having spent $26 for 26 books.....not bad!

I purchased a few DK art books - I just love the Eyewitness series and they are not always easy to find. These books are just my speed - not too academic in their analysis of paintings, with plenty of pictures for me to actually "see" what they are trying to describe. I will use these for my own personal pursuit of art appreciation, and I hope that future grandchildren will enjoy learning about the beauty of art through these books as well.

I found two books by Julia Cameron and I quickly snatched them up! I only had the opportunity to read the first two chapters of the Artist's Way last fall, but really fell in love with her concept of "morning pages." I hope to skim through both of these books this summer, and then perhaps really start to put her suggestions into practice.

I realize that this is a rather eclectic collection of books, but I am really very pleased with each purchase.

I spent Thursday evening visiting with my mom - and we had such a pleasant chat. However, when I got up to leave, she began to feel dizzy and ultimately had a difficult time just putting herself to bed. This resulted in a trip to the ER on Friday morning and admittance to the hospital in order to stabilize her blood pressure. This is a recurring issue with her, but it never fails to catch both of us by surprise and always adds an extra layer of stress to our lives. This is the primary reason why I am not able to participate in the Bloggiesta.

This coming week requires me to be at school for two days out of five - so I will not have time to do as much reading, writing, and playing that I would like. BUT....this means only one more meeting at school at the end of June and then I will have the entire month of July off. Now that is something that I can get excited about!

That sale sounds great--I wish ours were that spread out. One of the central libraries here has a basement and they use the rooms to have the sale. Aisles are ridiculous crowded and the rooms are small. No way I could stand to be there for 3 hours! Looks like you got some great stuff. Of course, it's eclectic--you're an eclectic reader!

I love library sales, but lately I've been trying to stay away from them since I am running out of room for all these books I keep bringing home! You got some good ones.

I am so sorry to hear about your mom's health...that can be scary for both of you. I had also hoped to participate in the Bloggiesta this weekend, but just found I did not have the energy. Maybe next time.

Congratulations to you and to your library! I know that the funds from book sales are important to libraries. I agree with you about Julia Cameron's books. I have my own copies of them so that I can underline, star sections, and make notes. Hope your mother is doing okay now. Annie

Our library had their book sale too but I didn't get there until near the end and it had been pretty picked over. The good thing is that they ended up having a blowout" sale of "all the books you can fit in a bag for $3." I managed to do pretty well ... but not nearly as good as you did!

Bloggiesta was a bust for me, too - just never got to it. Your book haul is great! Our library has a preview evening for the Friends (complete with wine and cheese). It's not until next month, but I'm already looking forward to it. Hope your mom is feeling better soon.

Wow! From your post and other's comments I am realizing how puny and paltry our library sale is! Pathetic is what I would call it. You got some great books though and $26 does not sound at all too much.

I posted my reading list for Sam's summer reading--if you get a chance please feel free to look at it and feel free to suggest other titles. I am staying away from heavy classics--you know, Shakespeare and Dickens and such, because I want him to enjoy the reading and those authors would put him over the edge! ;)*smiles*

Sounds like you're geared up for summer reading, Molly! I also have The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry, and The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa on the shelf. Old School was a great read and funny at some points, especially the part in which Ayn Rand paid a visit to the school. :)

About Me

Redefining Life at Fifty. I no longer wish to live according to the expectations of others - the roles that I play on a weekly basis. Instead of a "human doing" I wish to become a "human being" ... learning to cultivate my God-given talents and gifts in a way that brings joy to myself and those around me.
Life is too short not to live it.